How impending PO4 arrival compares to biggest competition on Blues’ left flank

POMPEY are hoping to seal their second signing of the summer this week.

Gary Mackay-Steven is closing in on a free transfer to Fratton Park following his departure from Aberdeen.

The winger possesses a pedigree that has whet the appetite of supporters.

European goals and international experience for Scotland decorate the 28-yearold’s CV, while the Youtube highlights reels have got plenty of fans excited.

Upon his arrival, MackaySteven will chiefly battle Ronan Curtis for the left-wing spot in Kenny Jackett’s starting line-up.

The Irishman enjoyed a fine maiden season in the Football League after arriving from Derry City last summer.

Curtis scored 12 goals in all competitions, with his form earning him his Republic of Ireland senior breakthrough.

It’ll mean there’s strong competition between the pair, which will bolster their own performances and Pompey's League One promotion aspirations.

And using Wyscout – the professional platform for people working in the football world – we’ve crunched the numbers to see how they both fared in their respective leagues last season.

In terms of hitting the back of the net, Curtis was by far the more prolific. He netted 11 times in 42 appearances – an average of 0.26 goals per 90 minutes.

Mackay-Steven’s ratio was slightly less. He bagged four goals in 20 outings, representing 0.2 goals per 90 minutes.

Curtis also had the upper hand by a significant margin when it came to assists.

He created eight goals for Jackett's troops last term, with Mackay-Steven managing just one for the Dons.

That’s despite Mackay-Steven averaging more crosses (4.19 per 90 minutes) than Curtis (4.13), although the current Blues winger’s accuracy when whipping balls into the danger area of 36.25 per cent surpassed the imminent arrival (31.33 per cent).

It was also the London-born ace who averaged more through passes (0.54) and key passes (0.44) over 90 minutes than Mackay-Steven (0.3 and 0.25 respectively).

As for dribbles, however, it was the former Liverpool youth player who was the stronger.

Mackay-Steven averaged 8.32 per 90 minutes and boasted a success rate of 66.67 per cent. Curtis went on 7.21 per 90 minutes but just 62.37 per cent proved fruitful.

The Aberdeen winger was fouled 1.72 times per 90 minutes opposed to Curtis’ 1.68. Ronan Curtis netted 12 goals in all competitions last season